This incredibly easy, absolutely delicious, 3-Ingredient Baked Brown Sugar Candied Bacon is a recipe you’ll soon become obsessed with! It’s the best snack for the holiday season – with the perfect balance of salty richness and a sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

This salty snack is a must-have for a holiday gathering, a fancy Sunday brunch, or simply just a delicious treat for yourself!

I’ve heard this snack called SO many different names—pig candy, millionaire’s bacon, man candy, cowboy candy, million-dollar bacon, the list goes on!! No matter what you call it, one thing is for sure: it’s absolutely delicious and downright addictive!

Want more incredibly easy appetizer recipes? You’ll love my: Baked Boursin Wontons with Cranberry Jam + Pecans, Boursin Bacon Cheese Ball, Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Spread, and Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates.

Why I Love This Brown Sugar Bacon Recipe

This dish is a go-to for me for so many reasons! First off, it’s incredibly easy to make— can you believe you only need 3 ingredients for this snack?! You read that right, all you need are a few simple ingredients: bacon slices, light brown sugar, and black pepper, that’s it! However, I’ve seen this recipe enhanced with flavors like chili powder, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, bourbon, and more. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking!

Ingredients You’ll Need: 3 Simple Ingredients!

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started on this delicious recipe:

1 package of center-cut bacon (no sugar added for a healthier option)
Light brown sugar
Fresh cracked black pepper

How to Make Baked Brown Sugar Candied Bacon

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a metal cooling rack on top of the foil. If your rack is not non-stick, lightly spray it with cooking spray.
Lay the bacon slices side by side on the rack in a single layer.
Sprinkle each slice of bacon with freshly cracked black pepper.
Generously sprinkle the light brown sugar over each slice of bacon.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Enjoy the bacon warm, or crumble it over a salad for added flavor!

Best Way to Eat Brown Sugar Candied Bacon

This sweet and salty bacon pairs beautifully with so many dishes! You can serve it as a snack all on its own, crumble it over salads for added crunch, include it in a charcuterie board, or as a topping for a bloody Mary. My personal favorite way to enjoy this snack is by using it on top of a salad, such as my Italian Chopped Salad!

Tips for the Tastiest Candied Bacon Ever

Let the bacon cool on the rack. Though it may be tempting to eat the bacon right out of the oven, allowing it to cool slightly first will help the sugar harden and keep the bacon crispy.
If you prefer super crispy edges, use regular-cut bacon and avoid overlapping the slices on the rack.
Use a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup, as the sugar can get a little messy.
Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your bacon, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning the sugar.
You can customize the brown sugar mixture by adding cayenne, chili powder, or even a splash of maple for extra depth.

More Bacon Recipes You’ll Love!

FAQs

You can use any type of bacon you like! Thick-cut bacon works well for more of a chewy texture, while regular bacon is great for crispier strips of bacon.

Yes! Candied bacon turns out great in an air fryer. Just place the slices in a single layer in the basket, sprinkle on the brown sugar and black pepper, and cook at 350°F for about 8–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it. Keep an eye on it near the end since the sugar can caramelize quickly. If you’re making a larger batch, cook in multiple rounds so the slices don’t overlap.

Leftover candied bacon is fantastic! Crumble it into salads, use it in sandwiches, or even add it on top of your favorite desserts.

Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste. You can also experiment with using maple syrup for a different flavor profile!

Place the bacon strips in an airtight container and store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and enjoy crispy bacon again, simply pop it in the oven for a few minutes!

Yes, thick cut bacon works if you prefer a heartier bite. It won’t get quite as delicate as regular slices, but the caramelized coating still gives it incredible flavor.

The best bacon is the one that matches your texture preference. Regular-cut gets crispier, while thicker slices stay slightly chewy in the center.

Absolutely! Turkey bacon cooks a bit faster and gets crisp quickly, but the brown sugar still gives it an amazing sweet finish.

A prepared baking sheet lined with foil keeps the sugar from sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Bake the slices in a single layer on a rack so air circulates around them, helping them crisp evenly.

I hope you absolutely love this recipe! It makes the perfect addition atop salads, as a snack on its own, or as a garnish for cocktails—the best part is its versatility! I hope this baked brown sugar candied bacon becomes a staple in your kitchen. If you try this easy candied bacon recipe, I’d love to hear all about it.

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The Best 3-Ingredient Baked Brown Sugar Bacon

Make this irresistible Baked Brown Sugar Candied Bacon with just 3 ingredients! A perfect balance of sweet and salty, it's the ideal snack for holiday gatherings, brunch, or a special treat.

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Cook Time 15

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1 package of center-cut bacon no sugar added for a healthier option
Light brown sugar
Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a metal cooling rack on top of the foil. If your rack is not non-stick, lightly spray it with cooking spray.
Lay the bacon slices side by side on the rack in a single layer.
Sprinkle each slice of bacon with freshly cracked black pepper.
Generously sprinkle the light brown sugar over each slice of bacon.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Enjoy the bacon warm, or crumble it over a salad for added flavor!

Keyword Bacon snack ideas, Best candied bacon recipe, Brown sugar bacon, Brown sugar glazed bacon, Candied bacon recipe, Easy baked bacon recipe, How to make candied bacon, Millionaire’s bacon, Sweet and salty bacon

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